National Citizen Service A Success

OVER the past five weeks 70+ young people from across east London have been taking part in the National Citizen Service scheme with the staff over at Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme.

The young people whose names are listed in the programme took part in two week-long residential experiences.

The first residential took place at Walesby Scout Camp with young people taking part in challenging outdoor activities including Rock Climbing, Bush Craft and team building activities, this was the first time the group had been together as a whole and they really came together and pushed themselves amazingly!

The second residential took place at the local Gilwell Park Scout Camp. This residential had more of a focus on learning and developing their teamwork skills and saw them take part in a ‘speed dating’ event to learn about what local organisations offered to its residents in and around east London surrounding us here at Leyton Orient. Becoming Young Sports Makers, graffiti projects and a day with the army were also included which saw the young people working together and producing some amazing work.

On their return the young people have been working on their group Social Action projects. This is where the young people take ownership, plan and deliver a project which will help their local communities and a sector of the public which is important to them. Various charities and hospices in the local area have been supported in a range of different ways with well in excess of £1,000 being raised and donated to these projects.

Young people have been raising awareness for projects such as Coping Through Football, Doreen Capstan House, St Joseph’s Hospice, Haven House, Richard House and Forest YMCA. Events such as car washes, Olympic themed events and even a talent show have seen the young people of Leyton Orient NCS make a real difference in their local community.

Why not check out the LOCSP Facebook page and also the NCS Facebook page for regular updates of what young people all over the country have been doing to improve their own communities.

A huge thanks to all of the young people who have made this project simply incredible! The staff from LOCSP were a real credit to the organisation, and I look forward to running the project next year. National Citizen Service 2012 truly was a summer to remember!